5 VINEYARDS NEAR BRIGHTON FOR WINE TASTING.
Brighton might be famous for its bohemian vibes and lively seafront, but it’s also surrounded by some of the finest vineyards in England.
Just a short trip from the city, you’ll find rolling hills, award-winning wines, and peaceful countryside—perfect for a day out.
Here are five great vineyards near Brighton, complete with details on how to get there and what to expect.
Don’t have time to read this full post? Here are my top recommendations:
For an easy and wonderful day out – pick a tour. You’ll get transport to/from Brighton and visit two vineyards.
Ridgeview Wine Estate is the easiest to get to from Brighton – and you can do it without driving!
1. Ridgeview Wine Estate
Located in the South Downs, Ridgeview Wine Estate is one of the UK’s leading producers of sparkling wine. Just a 30-minute drive from Brighton, it’s easily accessible by car, but if you’re using public transport, you can take a train to Burgess Hill, followed by a short taxi ride (or a 40 minute walk!) Meaning, you can visit without getting in the car.
Ridgeview offers guided tours that take you through the entire winemaking process, from grape to glass. You’ll explore their beautiful vineyards and learn about their award-winning sparkling wines, before enjoying a tasting session in their modern tasting room. Tours run from April to October and are best booked in advance.
2. Albourne Estate
Just 25 minutes from Brighton, Albourne Estate is a hidden gem producing a range of still and sparkling wines. The easiest way to reach it is by car, though you can take a train to Hassocks or Burgess Hill and then a taxi for the remaining stretch.
The estate offers vineyard tours and tastings from April to September, where visitors can enjoy stunning views of the South Downs while learning about their sustainable approach to winemaking. Their tasting terrace is a highlight, allowing you to sample their wines—including a popular Bacchus and an exceptional Blanc de Blancs—while taking in the sweeping countryside views.
3. Bolney Wine Estate
Bolney Wine Estate, one of England’s oldest vineyards, is just under 30 minutes from Brighton by car. If you prefer public transport, take a train to Haywards Heath and grab a taxi for the final leg of the journey.
At Bolney, you can join a variety of vineyard tours, from short tastings to in-depth tours that cover the winemaking process and the history of English wine.
The estate also has a stunning Eighteen Acre Café, where you can enjoy a glass of wine alongside delicious locally-sourced food. Be sure to try their Lychgate Bacchus and Pinot Noir for a taste of Sussex in a glass.
4. Rathfinny Wine Estate
Rathfinny, found close to the historic town of Alfriston, is about 40 minutes from Brighton by car. Alternatively, take a train to Berwick station, followed by a taxi ride.
Rathfinny is renowned for its sparkling wines and offers a variety of tours, from self-guided vineyard walks to private tastings. Their “Flint Barns Dining Room” gives you a chance to enjoy wine whilst eating something delicious.
You can also stay in Rathfinny, giving you the option to fully submerge yourself in wine!
5. Court Garden Vineyard
Court Garden Vineyard is a family-run estate located just 30 minutes from Brighton in Ditchling. You can drive there, or take the train to Hassocks and follow it with a short taxi ride.
They offer regular tours where you can explore the vineyard and winery, learning about their traditional winemaking techniques. Their “Vineyard Tour and Tasting” includes a walk through the vineyard, an introduction to the winery, and a tasting of their award-winning sparkling wines. They also offer a self-guided tour for a less formal experience.
Wine tours from Brighton
If you’d rather have everything taken care of, including transport – consider taking a wine tour from Brighton.
Here are a couple of great options for vineyard tours with pick ups in Brighton.
1/ Sussex Vineyard Tour – this tour picks up and drops off in Brighton, and takes you to two different vineyards for wine tasting. An ideal way to spend a day!
2/ Small group tour – for a more intimate experience, book a small group tour. On this tour, the host will pick vineyards based on your requirements and tailor the trip to you.
Where to next?
A few of my favourite things
Looking for a gift for yourself or a wine lover in your life? Here are a few of my favourite English Wine things.
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